Anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents rapidly reduce pain perception in brains of patients with Crohn’s disease, researchers show in the October issue of Gastroenterology. This observation could explain how clinical disease activity is often reduced long before signs of mucosal healing. Patients with Crohn’s disease treated with anti-TNF agents often report reductions in abdominal pain

Carbonation makes drinks seem less sweet than they really are, and could increase consumption of sugar and food, neuroscientists report in the September issue of Gastroenterology. It might be therefore be best for weight-loss plans to avoid carbonated beverages. Addition of carbon dioxide (CO2) to water (carbonation) makes it effervescent

About the Author

Dr. Kristine Novak is the science editor for Gastroenterology and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. She has worked as an editor at biomedical research journals and as a science writer for 15 years, covering advances in gastroenterology, hepatology, cancer, immunology, biotechnology, molecular genetics, and clinical trials. She has a PhD in cell biology and an interest in all areas of medical research.